A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Adrien, Martin
ADRIEN, or ANDRIEN, Martin Joseph, called Adrien l'Ainé, born at Liége 1766; a bass singer, taking alternate parts with Chéron at the opera in Paris from 1785 to 1804; afterwards choirmaster at the opera. In March 1822 he succeeded Lainé as professor of declamation at the École Royale de Musique, and died in the following November, a victim to the exaggerated system of declamation then in vogue. His voice was harsh, and his method of singing bad, but he had merit as an actor. He composed the 'Hymne à la Victoire' on the evacuation of the French territory in 1795, and the hymn to the martyrs for liberty.
His brother (name unknown) was born at Liége 1767; published five collections of songs (Paris, 1790-1802), and was for a short time choirmaster at the Théatre Feydeau.
Another brother, Ferdinand, was a teacher of singing in Paris, choir-master of the opera (1799-1801) and composer of songs.[ M. C. C. ]